Equest’s 43rd Annual Blue Ribbon Gala “Hope Unbridled” Featured Two Award Recipients and a Peek at the Nonprofit’s Mission in Action
Gala netted a record $299,453.00
(Featured photo: Melissa Oates, Gala Co-Chair; Patrick and Kristy Sands, Honorary Chairs; Calvert Collins-Bratton, Gala-Co-Chair.)
It’s not every day that horses are stationed at the welcome entrance to a gala, but true to the theme “Hope Unbridled,” Equest’s 43rd Annual Blue Ribbon Gala welcomed guests with Artie and Amigo, as they stood at the entrance of the Hilton Anatole. Guests could not help but stop and take photos with them before strolling the blue carpet into the Chantilly Ballroom.
Welcoming everyone as they entered were gala co-chairs Calvert Collins-Bratton and Melissa Oates, along with Lisa Loy Laughlin, Interim CEO; honorary chairs Kristy and Patrick Sands, who had hosted the Patron Party at their lovely Highland Park home just a few weeks earlier, and board chair Tim Garvin.
Patrons enjoyed wines, champagne and spirits as they wandered through the silent auction, bidding on one-of-a-kind items, trips, jewelry, sports memorabilia and more. An excited gathering appeared around the posters displaying the live auction items, where many couples were overheard making plans and bidding strategies. A fun section was set aside for selfies with mini horses Dare and Ranger.
Entering the ballroom was indeed an enchanting sight. Lights dimmed and upbeat music resonated throughout as walls were lit with floor-to-ceiling fanciful designs, candles glowed on tables covered in dark blue satin, some with silver swirls and impressive centerpieces topped the tables filled with flowers of all colors in silver urns.
Jody Dean, a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, longtime supporter, emcee and a familiar friend of the crowd, introduced Calvert and Melissa. “Embracing this role is our commitment to fostering healing, hope, and positive change, as we believe in the human-horse connection, and the community it creates,” they said. They thanked Kristy and Patrick for so generously hosting the Patron Party and for taking on the role of honorary chairs. A short video shed light on Equest’s programs as one of the nation’s largest PATH International Premier Accredited Centers and the first therapeutic horsemanship center in Texas.
Following the invocation, Carolyn Anderson was presented the Citation Award in recognition of her longtime support of Equest, including serving as a board member since 2017, chairing Equest’s Boots and Salutes and Hooves for Heroes events, and as a fervent testimony provider to raise awareness for Equest. Given annually since 2019, the Citation Award is named after the thoroughbred horse Citation (1945-1970), who won 16 consecutive races in major stakes race competitions and is the first horse in history to win $1 million. Past recipients are Nancy and Ron Natinsky, Lane Cates and Brad McLain, Connie and Denny Carreker, Junior League of Dallas and Andy Steingasser.
An absolutely delicious dinner was served which included a salad of seasonal mixed lettuces, grilled vegetable and dried fruit quinoa. The entrée of filet mignon was served with gold potato puree, roasted tomato and asparagus. A delightful dessert gave a sweet finish to the meal, which included lemon cello tiramisu in the glass and a dark chocolate mousse dome with chocolate crumble and raspberry insert.
A short video captured the audience’s attention as it focused on Pamela Dealey Petty, Founder’s Award recipient, who began her life of service to the community with memberships in the Dallas Junior League and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League. An avid supporter of Equest, she has served on the board of directors in many positions, including president and co-chaired the gala twice. To this day, she is a side-walker, leader and horse schooler.
Taking the stage, Lisa and Tim said that on behalf of each Equest client, the board of directors and resolute staff, they were honored to welcome everyone to the gala. Lisa said that, “Tonight, we celebrate the transformational impact of the Equest missions and its champions. We witness magical miracles at Equest every day when clients with diverse needs often take a first step, speak a first word or feel freedom for the very first time through the human horse connection.”
Sharing his thanks and appreciation for Lisa’s stepping in as Interim CEO, Tim said she took a leave of absence from her board position during a most challenging time, which was followed by a rousing round of applause.
A short video showed Equest’s mission in action with 30+ therapy horses, eight instructors, four therapists, three counselors and 700 volunteers, all working together to forever change thousands of lives. It was followed by a parent testimonial from Samantha and Juan Llorente, whose heartfelt story highlighted their daughter Mia, an Equest client, and her sheer delight as she, her horse and counselor had their session together.
Raising the lights, an energetic live auction brought bids on items such as an Equest stable supper for 10 guests, a stay in southern Ireland, Sorrento and the Italian coast, salmon fishing in Vancouver and golf at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. Focusing on other ways to support Equest, a paddle raise brought in more funds in support of horse sponsorships, supplemental sponsorships and monthly giving.
As the Manhattan Band took the stage, the lights dimmed and everyone joined on the dance floor until closing.
With grateful support of sponsors, underwriters, friends and patrons, the gala netted $299,453.00. Sponsors included The Rosewood Foundation, Cindy Thomas, Bill Woodall Family and more. Media sponsors were Modern Luxury Dallas and My Sweet Charity.
Learn more about Equest and how you can become involved in upcoming events or as a volunteer or member, visit www.equest.org .
About Equest
Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine assisted learning, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities, as well as veterans who receive all of Equest’s services at no charge. The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and equine assisted learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With the help of 30 therapy horses, eight instructors, four therapists, three counselors, and 700 volunteers, lives are changed for more than 2,000 served annually. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. Equest offers an engaging volunteer program that provides 30,000 hours of direct program service opportunities each year. www.equest.org.
Photos by Celeste Cass and Rob Wythe
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent Equest’s 43rd Annual Blue Ribbon gala and Patron Party and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
